Hate To Love You, Love To Hate You

You Messed Up My Plan!

“He is everywhere! I hate him! He ruined everything, and he will keep doing so. He already knows I am onto something.”

The next day, Andrew went to the mall. I asked for an early break and went to meet him outside. We were sitting in his car. Andrew heaved a sigh and rested his head back as his hands clenched and unclenched around the stirring. I could see he was annoyed. I could have gotten something last night, but instead, I came back empty-handed because Austin decided to eavesdrop on my conversation.

Andrew looked at me, “It’s okay. But this is not going to work like this. We might have to try another strategy. If Claudia is not coming to you, you might have to go to her, but not discreetly this time.”

That’s what I didn’t want to do. Creating circumstances to run into her was another thing, but reaching out to her without a solid reason would be a huge dent in my pride. But the real question I need to ask myself is, can I afford to worry about my pride and ego? My pride is all I have left. Do I need to sell it out for money now? I lowered my gaze as I picked on my nails. I was getting anxious. I don’t hate Claudia, but I definitely dislike her. I don’t want to be around her, or people like her – such as Austin. These people only steal our chances and then feast on our helplessness.

Andrew clicked his tongue, “Don’t pick your nails,” He muttered and pushed my hand down. I looked at him and watched him sigh. He pinched the bridge of his nose, “I know it is hard for you – especially after what Claudia did to you, and after what happened last night. But, sometimes to gain something, we have to sacrifice something else. I hate bringing this up, but just imagine how much everything can change for you with that money.” Andrew pointed out.

“Can I be honest with you?” I asked him. Andrew nodded his head so I continued, “Of course, it is about money and to get back at Claudia for what she did to me – but the seven pictures you showed me of Dr. Forte’s victims – I just can’t take them off my mind – especially that child. The fact that Claudia knows about her father’s unspeakable crimes makes me feel angry that I was once friends with her.”

Andrew lowered his gaze as he exhaled heavily, “Believe me, I can’t sleep at night thinking how we know what Forte has been doing, and how he must be prepared to hunt more to add up to his victims, and yet – I can’t do anything. It has been two years, and we still haven't caught a break. I just so badly want to put that bastard behind bars.” Andrew gritted his teeth and tightly closed his hands into a fist to the point where his hands lost their color.

“Even if I get the evidence, how long can it take to proceed with the case against him?” I had to ask.

“Depends on the evidence,” he shrugged. “It could take years. He can even get away with it since he is linked with big names within the system, but that doesn’t mean we are not going to bring up criminal proceedings against him.”

I know how weak our justice system is. There have been so many cases where influential people were let out for major crimes with just a slap on the wrist. I don’t want Dr. Forte to get away with it so easily for his crimes. He is a murderer. He needs to get a maximum sentence.

“What would be considered a piece of solid evidence to trap him for good? Something he can’t protect himself from?” I asked.

Andrew sniggered, “It is not easy to trap that bastard, but if there could be anything – it would be a confession from him.” He chuckled and shook his head. I could tell that Andrew believes that it is impossible to get a confession from him, but is it really? When I didn’t laugh with him and kept looking at him, his lips flattened as his forehead creased, “No.” He shook his head. He knew what I was thinking. My silence was very suggestive. “Don’t be stupid, Luna. Forte is an extremely dangerous man. You can’t even think about doing something stupid like trying to get him to confess. He can destroy you, or worse – he could kill you. He can make you disappear and no one will even notice!” He sternly warned me.

“Just stick to the plan and do not try to play smart and try to get to Forte. Do you hear me? I want you to stay away from him at all costs.” He emphasized, making me nod my head. “Promise me, you are not going to do anything on your own. You can blow this mission off. All the hard work we put into this case for the last two years could go in vain. He could harm your family. And you could also die. Don’t you dare risk anything for it, okay?” He warned me again.

I once again nodded my head, “I promise I am not going to do that. I was just asking,” I shrugged. I am not going to lie, I did think about it, but Andrew is right – I should stick to the plan. I can’t afford to get my family in trouble for this. I will just do as Andrew says, take the money, and try to build a better life for me and my family.

After Andrew left, I came back to work. Since it was the weekend, there were more customers to deal with. I assisted a few and was helping another one with her dress when I heard my name being called, “Luna?” I froze. I know whom that voice belongs to.

I turned around to see Claudia standing with a few dresses in her arms. She had her eyebrows knitted as she was looking at me. She was dressed in a white blouse tugged in blue high-waist jeans. Her hair was tied in a clean ponytail. I was surprised. I didn’t expect to see her here. Sure, most of the items at this shop are overpriced, but I still didn’t think that someone like Claudia would come here to shop.

“You work here too?” She asked next.

I glanced at my colleague, who was curiously looking between me and Claudia. “Umm, Janet, I will take it from here. Can you please assist this lady here?” I said to my co-worker, who looked at Claudia and offered her a small smile before she reluctantly walked away. I know she wanted to stay and listen to us talk, but I didn’t want her to listen to our conversation.

I smashed my lips and scratched the top of my head, “Uh, yes.” I shrugged. I couldn’t meet her eyes. I was already in the uniform, so it wasn’t hard to tell that I was working there – or else why would a person like me ever come to a place like this?

Claudia slowly nodded. She softly smiled, “I am curious, can I ask how many jobs you work?” She asked, making me look at her. She must have felt my sharp gaze and quickly added, “I don’t mean it disrespectfully – I am just curious. A month ago, I saw you working at that restaurant, then last night I saw you around the club, and now here. Are you really working three jobs?” She added. I don’t know why she was acting so polite to me. I glanced around to see she wasn’t with any of her friends or family – who was she faking it for? It almost felt like I was talking to my old best friend, but then I remembered what she did and what her entire wealth is built on.

I pressed my lips thinly. If I wasn’t on a mission, I would have ignored her and walked away, but this was a golden chance for me. Her friend Austin wasn’t around to ruin it for me, so I gulped down my pride and heaved a sigh. “Four,” I muttered while I stole a glance at her.

She frowned, “Four? You are working four jobs?” She couldn’t believe me. I simply nodded my head. She blinked, “Wow, it must be hard.” She mumbled under her breath. My gaze fell on the designer bag hanging on her shoulder. Very. I wanted her to know how very difficult it was, but I remained silent. She will not understand.

“Umm, is there anything I can assist you with?” It was extremely hard for me to keep my tone soft, but I had to do it. I shouldn’t miss this golden chance again.

Claudia smiled brightly, “Yes, please! Can you please help me select a dress for a formal event? I don’t have another with me to help me with. You already know how indecisive I can be.” She giggled and waved her hand dismissively. Yes, she is right. She has always been very indecisive – maybe because she always has so many choices to decide from.

I politely nodded my head, “Sure.” I looked at the dresses in her arm. “Do you want me to carry them for you?” I offered. I stomp over my ego, but I had to do it. It was like gulping down poison, but I had to do it – for the sake of my family.

“Oh no, I can carry them. Can I try them on for you?” She asked again. I hated her sweet and friendly tone. I stiffly nodded and followed her to the changing room. I waited outside while she wore dresses for me to see – one by one. I thought working four jobs was difficult, but pretending to be nice to Claudia was harder.

Each dress she wore looked extremely beautiful to her. She carried them all very well. After trying out four dresses, she asked me which one I liked. “Uh, all look very pretty on you.” I pinched my finger to hold back the scowl from appearing on my face. “Uh, maybe you should go with the green one.” I pointed out. I didn’t randomly say it. I truly meant it. The green silk dress looked the best on her.

She chuckled, “Of course, you said green. You used to love the green color. I guess you still do.” Claudia chuckled. I forced a small smile. I hated the fact that she was bringing up the past. I didn’t want to think about the old times. There was silence for a few seconds – I was looking around while Claudia was looking at me, “You haven’t changed much.” She stepped closer and with her finger pushed my bags out of my eyes.

Her smile slowly flattened, “I envy you.” She muttered under her breath. I narrowed my eyes. Envy me? I wasn’t to scoff at her face. It felt like she was poking fun at my situation. “You are still so pretty. It doesn’t look like you have aged much.” She added. I had the urge to roll my eyes at her. I have aged. I have aged more than her. The stress of life took the best of me. “I am not going to lie. I missed you, Luna. I know a lot happened between us, but I –” She could finish her sentence as the voice from behind me decided to interrupt us.

“Are you going to buy that green dress for tonight’s event? I saw a black one on the display – maybe try that one? It looks better.” s**t. That voice. I know who it belongs to. Damn it, he is everywhere. I didn’t dare to turn around and face him. I didn’t have to – I already knew it was Austin. Why is he everywhere she is? Are they dating? And even so, why can I get rid of this leech?! How am I ever going to get a confession from Claudia with him always around us?

Claudia looked over my shoulder and smiled, “You’d like anything in black, Austin. But, I think I will stick with this one. Luna liked it better.” I closed my eyes and scrunched my nose. Why did she have to say my name? She smiled and put her hand on my shoulder. Austin didn’t speak, but I am certain he was glaring at me at the moment. Claudia couldn’t read the tension in the room – even when I had my back to him, I could read it – it was right there in bold letters!

“I will go and pay for it.” She said to us.

I quickly looked at her and took the dress from her, “Let me pack it for you.” I offered.

Claudia smiled and nodded her head. She walked ahead of me while I followed her. I glanced at Austin to see a big scowl on his face. Our eyes met and he clenched his jaws and flared his nostrils. I could tell he wasn’t pleased to see me. Well – the feeling was mutual. I was at work, and I couldn’t afford to misbehave with a customer, so I decided to ignore him. I walked past him, but he grabbed me by my arm. I frowned and looked at him before I glanced at Claudia who kept on walking – she didn’t even notice I wasn’t following her any longer.

“You are everywhere,” he hissed to me.

Our faces were very close to each other. I squinted my eyes and stared back at him, “I could say the same to you.” I challenged him.

I narrowed his eyes as I snatched my arm free from his hold. I rolled my eyes at him and walked away. I had no time to waste on this good-for-nothing man. I quickly went to the counter where Claudia was there to make a payment with her card. I neatly folded the dress and placed it in an exclusive couture box. I wasn’t surprised that she just spent $995 on a dress for a single night. I can really understand rich people and their habit of reckless spending. It doesn’t concern me, so I just kept my head down and packed the dress for her.

I glanced behind Claudia to see Austin walking to the counter. His glare softened when he stood beside her. He snatched her car from her hand before the cashier took it, and handed her over his own card. “Hey, no. I bought that dress. I can pay for myself.” Claudia protested.

Austin softly smiled and shook his head, “No, it is my parents' anniversary. I told you I wanted to buy you a dress. You already agreed with me. You can’t take your words back.” Austin smiled as he handed the cashier the card. The cashier smiled at him and took it from his hand. Claudia stopped protesting as well.

She smiled and shook her head, “Fine, but the lunch is on me now.” She offered.

Austin grinned, “Okay.” He quickly agreed. I didn’t notice he had dimples – but then when did he smile around me before? I sighed and shook my head as I placed the dress in the bag.

I wanted to snigger at the fact that someone was willing to pay for her expensive dress when I had never even ever received a single flower from anyone in my life. It is funny how two people can lead such different lives.

“Hey, Luna! Why don’t you join us for lunch as well?” Claudia suggested out of the blue.

My eyes widened at the offer, while Austin frowned distastefully at the suggestion. The big smile on his face was long gone and was now replaced with a pure frown of annoyance. Claudia smiled brightly, “It has been so long since we talked. Please? Let’s have lunch together!”